Student government is a junior high group consisting of three representatives from each grade, nine members in total. Members are elected each spring from their student body to run dances, student events, and pep assemblies with an ear open for student ideas and input. They are a highly independent and self-motivated group who enjoy giving back to their school community.
The National Junior Honor Society promotes recognition for middle level students who reflect outstanding accomplishments in the areas of scholarship, leadership, service, citizenship and character. Through NJHS chapter service activities, members maintain and extend the qualities that won them selection by a Faculty Council.
What is the National Junior Honor Society?
The National Junior Honor Society (NJHS) is the nation’s premier organization established to recognize outstanding middle level students. More than just an honor roll, NJHS serves to honor those students who have demonstrated excellence in the areas of Scholarship, Leadership, Service, Character, and Citizenship.
Eligible students can be identified at the beginning of second trimester in eighth or ninth grade and be a student at NDPA for a minimum of one trimester. They must meet standards in the above mentioned areas.
Chapter membership not only recognizes students for their accomplishments, but challenges them to develop further through active involvement in school activities and community service.
Four main purposes have guided chapters of NJHS from the beginning:
- to create enthusiasm for scholarship,
- to stimulate a desire to render service,
- to promote leadership, and
- to develop character in the students of secondary schools
All chapters are required to conduct at least one chapter service project each year and to promote individual service projects for all members. The organizational, leadership, and service learning skills developed through these activities build stronger students.
Coaches: Norka Jorges, Dora Cadenas, Ana Pizarro
Our Goal:
To develop analytical reasoning and problem-solving skills through an education in Spanish bilateral interpretation based on the understanding, prediction, and description of the phenomena under study, achieved through high levels of scientific investigation of the world around us.
What is Ciencia en Utah “CEU”?
Science in Utah program is not a traditional science fair but an in-depth study of a scientific topic. Students will showcase their research learning through oral presentations, accompanied by experiments and demonstrations of the information presented in Spanish.
CEU is a Science program designed for students from 9 to 12 years old with a balance between education, engagement and fun.
The course will be divided into three modules from September to April with Monday weekly meetings.
I Phase
SEPTEMBER TO NOVEMBER
Students select topics and obtain ideas and resources for projects.
Students write down and show how to take detailed notes. Learn: Citation, notes, making a video, SharePoint.
November students will present the initial video of what they have learned so far.
Selections will be made based on participation and project progress.
II Phase
NOVEMBER TO FEBRUARY
Students keep track of project information, what they are learning, what to bring to develop their skills and record keeping. How to use powerpoint, Canva, Google slides, etc.
Email for experts, follow-up, questions and resources.
February student selections will be made based on participation and project progress.
III Phase
FEBRUARY TO APRIL
Students work with the CEU coaches to prepare for Ciencias en Utah exhibition.
April students will present the final video of what they have learned and mastered in the research of their projects.
Also, in the final stage the students are required to record videos of experiments and exhibits that cannot be repeated in a school. For example, visits to facilities and museums.
In April, NDPA will host our annual Ciencia en Utah event.
Selected students will continue to work with the CEU coaches to prepare for further presentations at DLI schools and a possible international competition.
In May, will take place the CEU Award ceremony (location TBD)
VIDEOS
The videos will be used in each phase of the program to evaluate the research progress of the projects. They will also be useful to prepare them for their presentation at the CEU exhibition.
The videos help make it easier for coaches to evaluate students from any 4th, 5th or 6th grade class.
In the final stage students will be required to record videos of experiments and exhibits that cannot be repeated in a school. For example, visits to facilities and museums.
- CEU Information
- CEU Brochure 2023
- CEU Registration Forms
- CEU Invitation 2024
- Sponsored by the Douglas Space and Science Foundation
"It is wonderful, and one of the highest quality school-run STEM programs I have ever seen." -2024
Purpose: Playing DND,
Magic the Gathering and other games to promote cooperation and team building.
Advisors: Austin Gypp
Meeting Time: Fridays 1:30 pm - 3:30 pm
Fee: No cost
Purpose: Learn the basics of playing the guitar; notes, chords, strum patterns, finger picking. A recital will be performed at the end of the semester. It is recommended that students practice 20 minutes daily. Club is limited to 15 students and runs for 1 semester.
Advisors: Kat Connolly
Meeting Time: Fridays 1:30 pm - 2:30 pm
Fee: No cost
Purpose: Improve robots for Seaperch Competition (March 7)
Advisors: Corinne McCord
Meeting Time: Mondays 3-4 p.m. in room 211 - January 8, 22, 29, February 5, 12, 26, March 4
Fee: No Cost
NDPA students participates in the International Film Festival of Utah. Students and teachers stay after school, create videos - all in Spanish! We have guest directors come from foreign countries and teach our students how to create videography and write scripts; this is an after school activity that we do.